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SSC MTS 2024 PYQ — Question 87

SSC MTS - 30/10/2024 - (12:30 PM - 2:30 PM) • English • Q87

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In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
The Enlightenment, sometimes known as the ‘Age of Reason’, is described as the period of (1)________ scientific, political, and philosophical debate that characterised European culture (2) ________ the ‘long’ 18th century: from the late 17th century until the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815. This was an era of an enormous (3) ________ in thinking and reason, which historian Roy Porter describes as ‘decisive in the formation of modernity’. Centuries of custom and tradition were (4) ________ in favour of exploration, individuality, tolerance, and scientific (5) ________, all of which contributed to the formation of the ‘modern world’.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. throughout.

Context: The sentence situates the Enlightenment within the entire span of the ‘long’ 18th century, indicating a period covering the late 17th century to 1815.

Meaning of the words:

  • Above – refers to a higher position, incorrect.

  • Over with – means finished, incorrect.

  • Along with – means together with, incorrect.

  • Throughout – means during the whole period, correct here.

Correct word: Throughout, because the Enlightenment occurred during the entire 18th century period.

Final Sentence: The Enlightenment, sometimes known as the ‘Age of Reason’, is described as the period of scientific, political, and philosophical debate that characterised European culture throughout the ‘long’ 18th century.

Hence, the chosen option is correct.